Do You Need a Visa to Go to Cape Verde? Formalities and Tips

Do you want to explore the treasures of Cape Verde? Before enjoying the beaches of Sal or climbing the peaks of Santo Antão, it is essential to inform yourself about the entry conditions based on your nationality. Visa, pre-registration, airport fees… every detail matters to ensure a peaceful vacation.

In this comprehensive guide, Casa di CV, your partner for a serene and authentic trip, explains everything you need to know to organize your arrival with ease.
Dive right into the essential steps to discover the archipelago freely.

🛂 Cape Verde Formalities: Entry and Visa Requirements for Cape Verde

📋 Practical Summary of Procedures

🛂 Do you need a visa to travel to Cape Verde?

Cape Verde facilitates entry for many travelers. For tourist stays of less than 30 days, a visa is generally not required, but this does not mean there are no formalities. Two important elements to know are:

• ✅ Mandatory online pre-registration
• 💳 Payment of the Airport Security Tax (TSA): €31 per adult

These formalities apply to all visa-exempt travelers, including citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, and several other countries.

🌐 Pre-registration and TSA payment are done on the official platform: www.ease.gov.cv

?? For citizens of the European Union

EU nationals can travel to Cape Verde without a visa for a tourist stay of less than 30 days, provided that they:

• Complete the online pre-registration form, ideally 5 days before departure
• Pay the TSA of €31 per adult (children are often exempt)

💡 Tip: Paying this tax in advance avoids queues upon arrival and speeds up checks.

🌍 For non-EU citizens

Some non-EU countries also benefit from visa exemption (e.g., United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Brazil...), with the same formalities as for the EU (pre-registration + TSA).

➡️ For other nationalities, a visa is required. It can be requested:

• At the Cape Verde embassy in the country of residence
• Sometimes, upon arrival or via an e-visa, depending on bilateral agreements

📞 Contact the nearest Cape Verde embassy to check your specific situation.

⏱️ Authorized Length of Stay

• Visa-free stay: maximum 30 days
• Extension possible on-site through immigration services (notably in Praia or Mindelo)
• Stay beyond 90 days: requires a long-stay visa or specific authorization

📄 Remember to keep proof of accommodation, a return ticket, and a copy of your pre-registration during your travels.

📄 Required Documents Upon Arrival

Here are the essential documents to present upon your arrival:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date
• Proof of pre-registration (printed or on smartphone)
• Proof of TSA payment
• Accommodation reservation (or contact address in Cape Verde)
• Return ticket (or onward ticket)

💡 Advice: Keep a digital copy of all your documents on your phone or in the cloud, in case of loss of papers or network issues.

⚠️ Customs Regulations

Even though checks are generally quick, there are a few rules to follow:

• Perishable food products are often prohibited
• Medications must be accompanied by a prescription
• Large sums of money must be declared

📅 When to Complete the Procedures?

• Pre-registration: at least 5 days before departure
• Visa application (if necessary): at least 30 days before the trip
• On-site extension: to be done before the expiration of the initial 30 days

✅ Good to Know for a Stress-Free Trip

• Always check updated information on: ease.gov.cv and the local embassy
• If you are traveling with family, check the specific conditions for minors
• If you are arriving from high-risk countries, certain vaccinations (e.g., yellow fever) may be required

✈️ Ready to take off?

Preparing your trip to Cape Verde is primarily about planning the formalities in advance so you can focus on what matters: fully enjoying the archipelago. From the lunar landscapes of Fogo, the endless beaches of Boa Vista, to the colorful markets of São Vicente, the adventure is just beginning.

Do you want more tips for organizing your stay? Also discover our practical guides, local partners, and good deals on Casa di CV.